Yes, I always try to learn what I call "traveler's survival
[Italian, Spanish, French, etc.]". I think it's a sign of
respect for the people and culture you're visiting if one
learns at least a little of their language.

Obviously, there are also very practical reasons to learn
the local lingo. What has surprised me, however, is how
speaking even a little of the local language has resulted in
friendlier transactions and better service with shopkeepers,
waiters/waitresses, hotel staff , etc. I'll never forget the
time when I was buying train tickets at a small travel
agency a few blocks from the Duomo in Florence, Italy. I
managed in requesting the tickets in my terrible Italian and
then, also in my terrible Italian, apologized for not being
able to speak their language better. One of the two agents
on duty looked me straight in the eye and said, in excellent
English, "Well, at least you try!"

Let me add that I do NOT have a talent for languages. (Heck,
I struggle with my native tongue!) However, I do have a
"secret weapon": the Pimsleur series of language CDs and
audiocassettes. If I can learn some of a foreign language
using this product, ANYBODY can learn a foreign language! I
think they also offer English as a second language lessons,
but only in a limited number of languages (Spanish, maybe
French). I highly recommend them. (I have no financial
interest in the Pimsleur company whatsoever.)